I need to know if the title connoisseur was used in the 1400's. Connoisseur meaning an expert in art who could judge such art.
I tried some research but didn't seem to be able to find anything
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1It would appear to have originated in the 18th Century– Steve BirdCommented Sep 22, 2021 at 13:59
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I tried some research but didn't seem to be able to find anything.– scratchy151002Commented Sep 22, 2021 at 14:05
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1Good example of a question where the key is knowing the research technique. It isn't obvious, but Steve Bird nailed it; the key is to search for the etymology of the term, which will generally indicate the first use of the term.– MCW ♦Commented Sep 22, 2021 at 14:44
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2FWIW, I don't think this is necessarily off-topic here. However, the English . SE site tends to be a good place for word history questions, due to the high number of users there with access to a copy of the OED.– T.E.D. ♦Commented Sep 22, 2021 at 15:02
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1@SteveBird Since indeed OED agrees to 1714…– LаngLаngСCommented Sep 22, 2021 at 17:03
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1 Answer
The OED (1928) Vol. II attests the word only since 1732 or 1714 depending on sense:
1. One who knows, one versed in a subject. Obs. 1732 BERKELEY Alciphr[on, or the Minute Philosopher] v. § 27 Commendation of Honour and Good-nature: but the former of these, by Connoisseurs, is always understood to mean nothing but Fashion. ....
2. spec. A person well acquainted with one of the fine arts, and competent to pass judgement in relation thereto; a critical judge of art or of matters of taste. 1714 MANDEVILLE *Fable of Bees (1723) 374 There are Parties among connoisseurs, and few of them agree in their esteem. ....
answered Sep 22, 2021 at 17:10
